1973 National Soccer League season

Football league season

National Soccer LeagueSeason| 1973

|

Champions|

* Toronto Croatia (regular season, 4th title)
* Toronto Hungaria (playoffs, 1st title)

League cup| Toronto Hungaria
Top goalscorer| John Fahy (24)
Keith Summers (24)[1]
Best goalkeeper| Blagoje Tamindžić[1]

← 1972

1974 →

The 1973 National Soccer League season was the fiftieth season under the National Soccer League (NSL) name. The season began in May and concluded in late October with Toronto Hungaria defeating Toronto Croatia for the NSL Championship. Toronto Hungaria repeated their success by defeating Croatia for the NSL Cup, which marked the organization's first league double.[2] Although Toronto Croatia was defeated in the postseason, they still managed to secure the regular-season title and qualified for the Canadian Open Cup.[3][4] In the Canadian Open Cup final Toronto successfully defended the title for the third consecutive season by defeating Challenge Trophy finalists Toronto West Indies United.[5]

Toronto Croatia was scheduled to participate in the 1973 CONCACAF Champions' Cup against Club América, but the series of matches failed to materialize.[6][7] Stanley Park Stadium was employed for the final time as the Toronto clubs transferred their home venue to the CNE Stadium in 1974.[8] The league experienced a further increase in match attendance.[9]

## Overview

[edit]

The National Soccer League (NSL) was embroiled in a dispute with the Toronto Indoor Soccer League over the usage of players during the offseason.[10] The NSL teams forbade their contracted players from participating in the indoor league without the consent of their clubs.[11] Despite the ban, many NSL players ignored the decision and continued playing in the indoor league.[12][13] The league increased in membership to 17 teams with the approval of additional teams in Toronto, and Montreal.[12] The NSL expanded into Quebec with the return of Montreal Cantalia, and the Toronto representatives were Toronto Melita and Toronto Polonia.[12] Melita previously competed in the Toronto & District Soccer League.[14]

Several teams were rebranded with Hamilton Apollos becoming Hamilton City, and Toronto Olympia was renamed, Toronto Homer.[12] London City acquired the NSL franchise rights from London German Canadians, and Toronto Hellas had their franchise revoked.[12] The league had an increase in match attendance with Serbian White Eagles, and Toronto Croatia averaging the most.[9][8] The season also marked the final time the Toronto-based clubs would utilize Stanley Park Stadium as their home venue as the municipal government decided to convert the field into a park.[8] The league administration addressed the continuing fan violence throughout the NSL with league president Joe Piccininni committing to placing stiffer fines the following season.[15] The league table was modified after the Ottawa Tigers were suspended in late August after incurring financial problems.[1][16][17]

## Teams

[edit]

Team  | City  | Stadium  | Manager

|
|
|

Hamilton City | Hamilton, Ontario |  |
Hamilton Croatia | Hamilton, Ontario | Brian Timmis Stadium[18] | Sid Sokles[19]
Hamilton Italo-Canadians | Hamilton, Ontario | Brain Timmis Stadium[18] |
London City | London, Ontario | Cove Road Stadium |
Montreal Cantalia | Montreal, Quebec | Verdun Stadium[20] | Franco Gallina[21]
Ottawa Tigers[note 1] | Ottawa, Ontario | Mooney's Bay Sports Complex[22] | Sandro Rausa[23]
Serbian White Eagles | Toronto, Ontario | CNE Stadium[24]

Stanley Park Stadium[24]

| Mladen Sarić[25]
Srbija Kitchener  | Kitchener, Ontario |  |
St. Catharines Heidelberg | St. Catharines, Ontario | Club Heidelberg Field[26] | Alex Crawley[16]
Toronto Croatia | Toronto, Ontario | CNE Stadium[24]

Stanley Park Stadium[24]

| Vladimir Šimunić[7]
Toronto First Portuguese  | Toronto, Ontario | CNE Stadium[24]

Stanley Park Stadium[24]

| Enidio Graca[27]
Toronto Homer  | Toronto, Ontario | CNE Stadium[24]

Stanley Park Stadium[24]

Toronto Hungaria  | Toronto, Ontario | CNE Stadium[24]

Stanley Park Stadium[24]

Toronto Italia | York, Ontario | York Stadium[9] | Giovanni Fanello[28]
Toronto Melita  | Toronto, Ontario | CNE Stadium[24]

Stanley Park Stadium[24]

Toronto Polonia  | Toronto, Ontario | CNE Stadium[24]

Stanley Park Stadium[24]

Toronto Ukrainians | Toronto, Ontario | CNE Stadium[24]

Stanley Park Stadium[24]

1. ^ Ottawa withdrew from league midway through the season

### Coaching changes

[edit]

Team  | Outgoing coach  | Manner of
departure  | Date of
vacancy  | Position in table  | Incoming coach  | Date of
appointment

|
|
|
|
|
|

Montreal Cantalia | Ricardo Musci[29] | replaced  | July, 1973  |  | Franco Gallina | July, 1973
Toronto Italia | Hector Marinaro, Sr.[30] | replaced  | July, 1973  |  | Giovanni Fanello | July, 1973
St. Catharines Heidelberg | John Santesso[31] | replaced  | August 25, 1973  | 1st  | Alex Crawley[32] | August 25, 1973

Hamilton

Kitchener

London

Ottawa

St. Catharines

TORONTO

class=notpageimage|

Location of NSL teams outside of Toronto for the 1973 NSL season.

Montreal

class=notpageimage|

Locations of teams in Quebec for the 1973 NSL season.

|

## Standings

[edit]

Pos | Team  | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts | Qualification

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

1  | Toronto Croatia (C) | 30  | 22  | 4  | 4  | 71  | 23  | +48  | 48  | Qualification for Playoffs
2  | Serbian White Eagles | 30  | 22  | 1  | 7  | 66  | 21  | +45  | 45
3  | Toronto First Portuguese  | 30  | 17  | 8  | 5  | 52  | 33  | +19  | 42
4  | Toronto Hungaria (O) | 30  | 17  | 7  | 6  | 68  | 35  | +33  | 41
5  | Toronto Italia | 30  | 16  | 5  | 9  | 55  | 37  | +18  | 37
6  | Toronto Homer  | 30  | 14  | 8  | 8  | 58  | 35  | +23  | 36
7  | London City | 30  | 12  | 9  | 9  | 47  | 43  | +4  | 33
8  | St. Catharines Heidelberg | 30  | 12  | 7  | 11  | 37  | 39  | −2  | 31
9  | Hamilton Croatia | 30  | 10  | 9  | 11  | 55  | 53  | +2  | 29  |
10  | Toronto Melita  | 30  | 8  | 10  | 12  | 37  | 45  | −8  | 26
11  | Toronto Ukrainians | 30  | 9  | 5  | 16  | 45  | 48  | −3  | 23
12  | Hamilton City | 30  | 8  | 7  | 15  | 39  | 58  | −19  | 23
13  | Montreal Cantalia | 30  | 8  | 7  | 15  | 39  | 58  | −19  | 23
14  | Hamilton Italo-Canadians | 30  | 4  | 9  | 17  | 20  | 64  | −44  | 17
15  | Srbija Kitchener  | 30  | 4  | 5  | 21  | 29  | 77  | −48  | 13
16  | Toronto Polonia  | 30  | 5  | 3  | 22  | 30  | 83  | −53  | 13

Updated to match(es) played on October 30, 1973. Source: http://canadiansoccerleague.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/NSL_1921_1992.pdf
Rules for classification: 1) points; 2) goal difference; 3) number of goals scored.
(C) Champions; (O) Play-off winners

## Playoffs

[edit]

### Quarterfinals

[edit]

Toronto Croatia v Toronto Italia October 13, 1973 |  Toronto Croatia | 2–1|  Toronto Italia | Toronto, Ontario

|
|
|
|

| Mirko Basic ,  | [[33] Report] | Carlos Jorge  | Stadium: Stanley Park Stadium
Attendance: 871

Serbian White Eagles v Toronto Homer October 14, 1973 |  Serbian White Eagles | 2–1|  Toronto Homer | Toronto, Ontario

|
|
|
|

| Stojanovic ,  | [[33] Report] | Peter Testepasis  | Stadium: Stanley Park Stadium
Attendance: 1112
Referee: John Highet

Toronto First Portuguese v London City October 14, 1973 |  Toronto First Portuguese | 4–1|  London City | Toronto, Ontario

|
|
|
|

|  | [[34] Report] |  | Stadium: Stanley Park Stadium

Toronto Hungaria v St. Catharines Heidelberg October 15, 1973 |  Toronto Hungaria | 2–1|  St. Catharines Heidelberg | Toronto, Ontario

|
|
|
|

| Fahy
Allan Callender  | [[35] Report] | Daniel McIntosh  | Stadium: Stanley Park Stadium

### Semifinals

[edit]

Toronto Croatia v Toronto First Portuguese October 16, 1973 |  Toronto Croatia | 2–1|  Toronto First Portuguese | Toronto, Ontario

|
|
|
|

20:30 | Branko Trtanj
Solak | [[36] Report] | Emilio Hernandez  | Stadium: Stanley Park Stadium
Attendance: 1500
Referee: Bob Hughes

Toronto Hungaria v Serbian White Eagles October 17, 1973 |  Toronto Hungaria | 2–1|  Serbian White Eagles | Toronto, Ontario

|
|
|
|

| Fahy ,  | [[37] Report] | Stojanovic | Stadium: Stanley Park Stadium

### Finals

[edit]

Toronto Croatia v Toronto Hungaria October 19, 1973 |  Toronto Croatia | 1–2|  Toronto Hungaria | Toronto, Ontario

|
|
|
|

| Solak 93' | [[38] Report] | Allan Callender  2'
Molnar 7' | Stadium: Stanley Park Stadium
Attendance: 2313

## Cup

[edit]

The cup tournament was a separate contest from the rest of the season in which all seventeen teams took part. The finals for the cup were to consist of a two-legged match but were scrapped after the first match was abandoned due to fan violence.[39] The league decided to award the cup to Toronto Hungaria as they were leading the match before it was abandoned.[39]

### Finals

[edit]

Toronto Croatia v Toronto Hungaria October 21, 1973 |  Toronto Croatia | 1–3|  Toronto Hungaria | Toronto, Ontario

|
|
|
|

| Arslanovic | [[40] Report] | Mario Garcia ,
Polyviou | Stadium: Stanley Park Stadium
Attendance: 3341
Referee: Bill Divorski

## Canadian Open Cup

[edit]

The Canadian Open Cup was a tournament organized by the National Soccer League in 1971 where the NSL champion would face the Challenge Trophy winners to determine the best team throughout the country.[5] The 1974 edition served as a qualifier match to determine the Canadian representative to the CONCACAF Champions' Cup.[41] Toronto Croatia was the NSL representative for the third consecutive year while their opponents were the Toronto & District League champions Toronto West Indies United.[42] The Vancouver Firefighters were the 1973 Challenge Trophy winners and originally were invited to participate, but declined which allowed the Challenge Trophy runner-ups Toronto West Indies United to compete for the title.[42]

Toronto Croatia v Toronto West Indies United October 28, 1973 |  Toronto Croatia | 3–1|  Toronto West Indies United | Toronto, Ontario

|
|
|
|

| Peric 5',  12',  70' | [[43] Report] | Clarence Prendes  25' | Stadium: Stanley Park Stadium
Attendance: 1103

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c "National Soccer League 1926 to 1992" (PDF). canadiansoccerleague.ca. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2014-06-28. Retrieved May 22, 2021.
2. ^ Jose, Colin (2001). On-Side - 125 Years of Soccer in Ontario. Vaughan, Ontario: Ontario Soccer Association and Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum. p. 117.
3. ^ "CSL Past Champions" (PDF). canadiansoccerleague.ca. Archived (PDF) from the original on 2021-04-14. Retrieved April 30, 2021.
4. ^ "Croatia wins NSL pennant". Toronto Star. October 4, 1973. p. C3.
5. ^ a b Jose, Colin (1998). Canadian Encyclopedia of Soccer - Keeping Score. Vaughan, Ontario: Canadian Soccer Hall of Fame and Museum. p. 121\. ISBN 0-9683800-0-X.
6. ^ "Croatia to play 2-game series against Americana of Mexico". The Globe and Mail. September 11, 1973. p. 37.
7. ^ a b Kernaghan, Jim (May 25, 1973). "This soccer club's success merely widens its horizons". Toronto Star. p. 18.
8. ^ a b c Waring, Ed (December 10, 1973). "Eight of NSL's ten teams will call CNE Stadium home". The Globe and Mail. p. S2.
9. ^ a b c Waring, Ed (July 4, 1973). "Soccer crowds grow, NSL secretary feels 250,000 draw possible". The Globe and Mail. p. 33.
10. ^ Kernaghan, Jim (February 6, 1973). "Indoor soccer loop players defy threats of suspension". Toronto Star. p. 37.
11. ^ Kernaghan, Jim (January 5, 1973). "Five teams in indoor soccer". Toronto Star. p. 15.
12. ^ a b c d e "Indoor loop ignores NSL player ban". The Globe and Mail. February 5, 1973. p. S5.
13. ^ Waring, Ed (February 6, 1973). "Players defy ban, play indoor soccer". The Globe and Mail. p. 32.
14. ^ Kernaghan, Jim (May 15, 1973). "Metros hope to improve materially by taking on such teams as Lazio". Toronto Star. p. 21.
15. ^ Kernaghan, Jim (October 26, 1973). "Crackdown on soccer violence". Toronto Star. p. C4.
16. ^ a b Gatecliff, Jack (20 October 1973). "Through the Sports Gate". St. Catharines Standard. p. 23.
17. ^ "Club Roma Takes on Nationals". St. Catharines Standard. 28 August 1973. p. 24.
18. ^ a b "Fans unruly, NSL referee halts match". The Globe and Mail. June 8, 1973. p. 39.
19. ^ Gatecliff, Jack (10 September 1973). "Slump Continues - Heidelberg Held to Draw". St. Catharines Standard. p. 21.
20. ^ Onorato, Andre (May 12, 1973). "Cantalia returns to local soccer". Montreal Gazette. p. 14.
21. ^ Onorato, Andre (July 7, 1973). "Cantalia sets sight on two weekend wins". Montreal Gazette. p. 10.
22. ^ Brown, Dave (May 3, 1973). "Out of the Dark". Ottawa Journal. p. 50.
23. ^ De Marinis, Mariano (June 9, 1973). "Ottawa Tigers' franchise quite alive and kicking". Ottawa Journal. p. 18.
24. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p Nickleson, Al (May 11, 1973). "College Bowl moves to CNE as mod sod gets more use - 17 NSL Games". Toronto Star. p. 18.
25. ^ Kernaghan, Jim (April 19, 1973). "9 Yugoslavian imports boost soccer club's bid". Toronto Star. p. 20.
26. ^ "Nationals Open Season Sunday". St. Catharines Standard. 10 May 1973. p. 32.
27. ^ Clifford, Dale (July 30, 1973). "Tigers bow on disputed penalty". Ottawa Citizen. p. 15.
28. ^ "6 Metros will face Italian Army team". The Globe and Mail. July 18, 1973. p. 45.
29. ^ Onorato, Andre (May 9, 1973). "Reborn Cantalia team will play in interprovincial soccer loop". Montreal Gazette. p. 44.
30. ^ Kernaghan, Jim (May 10, 1973). "Italia prepared for top role". Toronto Star. p. 17.
31. ^ Gatecliff, Jack (17 February 1973). "Through the Sports Gate". St. Catharines Standard. p. 25.
32. ^ Gatecliff, Jack (25 August 1973). "Through the Sports Gate". St. Catharines Standard. p. 31.
33. ^ a b Waring, Ed (October 15, 1973). "Serbian White Eagles win 2-1 on disputed penalty-kick goal". The Globe and Mail. p. S5.
34. ^ "Soccer scores". Toronto Star. October 15, 1973. p. B5.
35. ^ "Hungaria wins playoff spot in NSL action". Toronto Star. October 16, 1973. p. D6.
36. ^ Kernaghan, Jim (October 17, 1973). "Croatia wins rough NSL semi". Toronto Star. p. C4.
37. ^ "Hungaria win sparked by Fahy". The Globe and Mail. October 18, 1973. p. 48.
38. ^ Waring, Ed (October 20, 1973). "Hungaria wins over Croatia in NSL final". The Globe and Mail. p. 41.
39. ^ a b Kernaghan, Jim (October 26, 1973). "Crackdown on soccer violence". Toronto Star. p. C4.
40. ^ "Violence puts premature end to NSL final at Stanley Park". The Globe and Mail. October 22, 1973. p. S5.
41. ^ Kernaghan, Jim (July 12, 1975). "Eagles want to win but it is costly". Toronto Star. p. D5.
42. ^ a b Koep, Bob (October 29, 1973). "Croatia strikes early to win". Toronto Star. p. B6.
43. ^ Waring, Ed (October 29, 1973). "'Rain ends West Indies' breakaway threat: Croatia takes third Canadian crown in a row". The Globe and Mail. p. B7.

## External links

[edit]

* RSSSF CNSL page
* thecnsl.com - 1973 season

* v
* t
* e

Canadian National Soccer League

Clubs|

* Bradford Marshlanders
* Brampton Kicks
* Brantford City
* Brantford Cockshutts
* Buffalo Blazers
* Canadian National Railway
* Chile Lindo
* Corinthians
* Detroit Besa
* Fergus
* General Motors
* Guelph Taylor-Forbes
* Hamilton Austins
* Hamilton British Imperials
* Hamilton Cougars
* Hamilton Croatia
* Hamilton Homer
* Hamilton Hungaria
* Hamilton Italo-Canadians
* Hamilton Primos
* Hamilton Steelers
* Hamilton Stelcos
* Hamilton Thistles
* Hamilton Westinghouse FC
* Hamilton White Eagles
* Kenwoods
* Kitchener Concordia
* Kitchener Kickers
* Kitchener Maple Leafs
* Kosova Albanians
* Liptons
* London City
* London CNR
* London German Canadians
* London Marconi
* McKinnons
* Montreal Alouettes
* Montreal Cantalia
* Montréal Carsteel
* Montreal Castors
* Montreal CNR
* Montreal Concordia
* Montreal Hungaria
* Montreal Maroons
* Montreal Sparta
* Montreal Stars
* Montreal Ukrainians
* Nacional Latino
* North York Rockets
* North York Talons
* Oakville CW
* Oshawa Italia
* Ottawa Sons of Italy
* Ottawa Tigers
* Quebec Selects
* Queen City
* Richmond Hill Kick
* Scarborough Astros
* Serbian White Eagles FC
* Soccer Portugais du Quebec
* St. Andrews/Earlscourt
* St. Catharines Heidelberg
* St. Catharines (Roma) Wolves
* Sudbury
* Sudbury Cyclones
* Sudbury Italia
* Toronto Abruzzi
* Toronto Azurri
* Toronto Blizzard
* Toronto British Consols
* Toronto Canadian Scots
* Toronto Canadians
* Toronto City
* Toronto CNR
* Toronto Congasco
* Toronto Croatia
* Toronto East End Canadians
* Toronto England United
* Toronto Estonia
* Toronto Falcons
* Toronto First Portuguese
* Toronto Greenbacks
* Toronto Hakoah
* Toronto Hellas
* Toronto Hungaria
* Toronto Inter-Roma
* Toronto Italia
* Toronto Italian Virtus
* Toronto Jets
* Toronto Macedonia
* Toronto Macedonians
* Toronto Malta United
* Toronto Maple Leafs
* Toronto Maroons
* Toronto Melita
* Toronto Mississauga Hungaria
* Toronto Oakwoods
* Toronto Olympia
* Toronto Panhellenic
* Toronto Polish White Eagles
* Toronto Polonia
* Toronto Scottish
* Toronto Serbians
* Toronto Sparta
* Toronto Supra
* Toronto St. Andrews
* Toronto Transit Commission
* Toronto Tridents
* Toronto Ukrainians
* Toronto Ulster United
* Toronto White Eagles
* Le Tricolore de Montréal
* Welland
* Welland Lions Croatia
* Willy Overland
* Windsor Rovers
* Windsor Stars
* Windsor Teutonia
* Windsor Wheels
* Winnipeg Fury
* Woodbridge

Seasons|

* 1926
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* 1992
* 1993
* 1994
* 1995
* 1996
* 1997

Miscellaneous|

* Rogers Cup
* Open Canada Cup
* CSA
* CSL Reserve Division

*[Pos]: Position
*[Pld]: Played
*[W]: Won
*[D]: Drawn
*[L]: Lost
*[GF]: Goals for
*[GA]: Goals against
*[GD]: Goal difference
*[Pts]: Points
*[v]: View this template
*[t]: Discuss this template
*[e]: Edit this template